The FA are currently investigating allegations that Mackay sent offensive text messages during his time as manager of the Welsh club.

But Whelan has now caused outrage himself, saying that he saw nothing wrong in a reported Mackay text that referred to the Jewish agent Phil Smith, saying: “Nothing like a Jew that sees money slipping through his fingers. The Jews don’t like losing money. Nobody likes losing money.”

Asked if he thought what Mackay said was offensive, due to the claim that Jews “love money” has often been used as a negative stereotype, Whelan stated: "Do you think Jewish people chase money a little bit more than we do? I think they are very shrewd people.

“I think Jewish people do chase money more than everybody else. I don’t think that’s offensive at all. It's telling the truth. Jewish people love money, English people love money; we all love money.”

New role: Mackay has returned to management with Wigan (Image: @Latics official)

Whelan also declared that he sees nothing wrong with calling a Chinese man a "chink", saying that the word is not offensive.

“If any Englishman said he has never called a Chinaman a chink he is lying," added the Wigan owner. "There is nothing bad about doing that. It is like calling the British Brits, or the Irish paddies."

Also, one of the club's shirt sponsors have ended their agreement with the club following the appointment of Mackay.

Kitchen firm Premier Range said they were in an "untenable" position following the appointment of the former Cardiff boss.

The FA released a statement late on Thursday indicating the investigation into Mackay and his alleged comments made in private to Iain Moody.

"We wish to make it clear The FA investigation into the conduct of Malky Mackay and Iain Moody remains ongoing and no assurances have been given by The FA as to the outcome of this case."